More than 20 million watched inauguration on TV, big drop from 2009

President Obama gives his inauguration address during the public ceremonial… (Justin Sullivan / Getty…)

WASHINGTON — Nearly 20.6 million people watched Monday’s presidential inaugural festivities on network television, a drop of 46% from the 2009 event, which drew nearly 37.8 million viewers, according to the Nielsen ratings.

The viewership figure reflects the average number of people who tuned to live network coverage from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET to watch President Obama’s swearing-in ceremony and parade. Nielsen does not track online streaming, or most television viewers outside the home.